JOHN DAY – Many business owners in Grant County have probably already met the newest member of the Blue Mountain Eagle staff.

Kim Kell, started work as the Eagle’s new advertising representative on Monday, Aug. 25, and has been meeting by phone and in person with clients across the county.

The job requires almost as much time out in the community as it does in the office, which suits Kell just fine.

“I love working with people and look forward to working with the business people of Grant County,” Kell said.

She and her husband Ron, who own Mountain View Mini Mart in Prairie City, already are familiar faces in that community.

Kell said she and Ron always dreamed of owning a mom-and-pop store and grabbed the opportunity when they found out the Prairie City mini-mart was for sale. With her now working at the Eagle, Ron is running things at the mini-mart.

The Kells moved to Grant County in 1997 from Hermiston, where she worked in sales for Inland Pool and Spa. The couple just celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. They have two children – Derek, 14, and Kailey, 12 – who attend school in Prairie City.

Avid fans of the outdoors, the Kell family’s favorite activities are winter sports, especially snowmobiling. She is the secretary for Starr Ridge Winter Sports and also coaches Little League softball.

Of working at the Blue Mountain Eagle, Kell said she feels right at home. “I’ve found my niche,” she said.